SUPERVISOR, CHEMIST

***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE***

Job Summary

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), Division of Measurement Standards, is seeking to fill one (1) vacant Supervisor, Chemist position in the Sparks office. This position serves as the daily operational lead for NDA's two Petroleum Laboratories (Sparks and Las Vegas) and functions as the agency's Subject Matter Expert (SME) for fuels, oil, antifreeze, and Diesel Emission Fluid (DEF). This position directly supervises two Chemist staff – one in Sparks and one in Las Vegas - and will require occasional travel to Las Vegas (or Sparks). The Supervisor, Chemist also serves as a backup to the Chemist positions during absence or as operational needs arise. This role works collaboratively with the Weights & Measures supervisors, the State Metrologist, external agency partners, and provides SME support to the Division Administrator.

Chemists analyze air, water, tissue, milk, petroleum products, antifreeze, soil, cement, paint, construction materials, pesticide residue, and other samples.

Essential Qualifications

Four or more years of applicable experience as described in the job duties with a minimum of one-year supervisory experience preferred and graduation from high school or equivalent education.

Job Duties

• Analyze samples and identify and document sample contents and contaminants.
• Ensure adherence to federal and State laws, regulations, standards, procedures, and agency policies and procedures.
• Operate laboratory instrumentation.
• Conduct chemical testing of highway construction materials and ensure appropriateness for projects.
• Assist engineers in solving construction problems related to chemical and physical properties of materials.
• Analyze construction materials and samples and determine and document contents and contaminants.
• Evaluate, maintain, update, and write specifications for construction materials, products, equipment, and specifications.
• Provide testimony to lawmakers, boards, and industry representatives.
• Assist in resolving conflicts and problems in sample testing.
• Evaluate and incorporate new technology into laboratory procedures.
• Analyze motor fuels and motor oil samples for physical characteristics and air quality impact.
• Determine compliance of antifreeze samples by measuring certain properties and testing for foaming tendencies.
• Analyze ground water, surface water, vegetation, soil, and tissue for pesticide residues, identify presence, and calculate concentration of herbicides and pesticides.
• Analyze water samples for gross alpha, gross beta, and additional radiochemistry.
• Analyze fertilizer samples for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients and non-nutrients.
• Maintain sample integrity and chain of custody and complete data calculations and worksheets.
• Record processes and results, prepare and submit reports, enter findings, and maintain quality assurance.
• Manage laboratory equipment, perform maintenance, and request supplies, chemicals, and equipment.
• Oversee and coordinate activities in an assigned laboratory and implement quality assurance procedures.
• Participate in budget preparation and monitoring and order supplies and equipment.
• Act as a lead worker by assigning and reviewing work, training, and providing input to performance evaluations and work performance standards.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and oversee laboratory operations testing various materials for compliance.
• Establish laboratory policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain quality control and quality assurance procedures.
• Ensure safety compliance and the proper handling, storage, use, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Participate in long-range planning, budgeting processes, and stay current on technological advancements.
• May direct the registration of pesticides, fertilizers, and petroleum products.
• Issue special need registrations and crisis exemptions.
• Oversee the collection of fees and the licensing of restricted pesticide dealers.
• Train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate the performance of employees, and other supervisory duties as appropriate for managing people.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

This class specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.

Knowledge Of

• Principles and practices of supervision and training; State purchasing and budgeting processes.
• Various scientific literature related to a specified field of chemistry; providers of chemistry equipment and supplies.
  
  

Ability To

• Determine methodology to be applied and equipment to be utilized in conducting various tests and analysis; analyze a variety of materials to determine chemical content and composition; perform complex chemical analysis.
• Plan, organize, and oversee laboratory operations; prepare and monitor budgets; read and interpret scientific literature and reports; evaluate and determine equipment, materials, and supplies needed in a laboratory.
• Lead and motivate a diverse staff, set clear goals, delegate tasks effectively, and foster a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Communicate both verbally and in writing to audiences of various social, educational, and economic backgrounds.
• Resolve conflicts and mediate, negotiate, and exchange ideas, information, and opinions with employees, customers, or agencies; diffuse hostile situations respectfully and tactfully.
• Review work products for quality, quantity, and timeliness; analyze information, problems, situations, practices, or procedures to define objectives, identify relevant concerns, formulate logical conclusions, and recognize alternatives and their implications.
  
  

Recruiter Contact Information: Sonja Grass - SonjaGrass@admin.nv.gov

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.

Benefits Include

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.
  
  

Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).

For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).

• State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature.
  
  

The Following Are Legal Holidays

January 1.............................................. New Year's Day

Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday

Third Monday in February................ Washington’s Birthday

Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day

June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day

July 4.................................................... Independence Day

First Monday in September.............. Labor Day

Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day

November 11........................................ Veterans' Day

Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day

Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day

December 25........................................ Christmas Day

When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255

01

Supervisor, Chemist - Do you have four or more years of applicable experience as described in the job duties with a minimum of one year supervisory experience preferred and graduation from high school or equivalent education?

• Yes.
• No.
  
  

02

This position requires up to 25% of travel. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment and as a condition of continuing employment. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Do you have experience with analytical testing, including qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis?

• Yes
• No
  
  

05

Can you provide technical expertise as requested by subordinate staff relative to the testing of petroleum?

• Yes
• No
  
  

06

Please describe your experience presenting to official bodies, such as legislative committees, state or local boards.

07

Please describe your experience with budget management.

08

Please describe what types of laboratory equipment you are familiar with.

• Required Question